Have you ever had the stomach flu?
For some reason, with each of my pregnancies, I have felt like I had the bad case of the stomach flu for about 36 weeks. Imagine throwing up if you bent over, or brushed your teeth, made any sudden movements, kissed your dear ones, or went more than 15 minutes without eating.
Other than that, I can't complain about my pregnancies—unless you want to reminisce about heartburn, stretch marks, bruised ribs, swelling [oh my! the swelling], acne, weight gain, nightmares, hormonal outbursts and other such things. I for one don't. All those things were minor discomforts.
It was the nausea that really sucked away my sparkle and will to live.
So, if it was really as bad as I remember [You'll have to trust me on this one, it was. Or ask Mr. Coleman about the time I threw a baked potato at him.], why would I make a repeat performance? Not once more, but three more times?
Because I think, at least on this one subject, I am a mother who really knows. I know that "children are a heritage of the Lord and happy is the man who has his quiver full of them." I know that the richness and fulness I feel in my life is due in large part to the choices I made to bear children. It was worth every second of discomfort and despair. I made a choice like our mother Eve—to pass through this sorrow so I could know greater joy.
And let me tell you, the joy has been abundant and I am assured that it will continue to grow more so for eternity.
Pretty pictures.
ReplyDeletePretty words.
Pretty sister.
I love them all.
Thank you, Rachel. What a wonderful post - even the emissions part. =) It is so worth it.
ReplyDeleteI like the way your write, Rachel. And I like how you are sharing your perspectives on the "Mothers Who Know" talk. You remind me that it is worth revisiting. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteDitto to what Anna said.
ReplyDelete(Sometimes sisters just say it all better).